Want to create a website but are put off by the potential expense? You really shouldn’t be. Launching a site quickly and cheaply in this day and age is very easy. Scroll down for three tips on keeping your website costs low.
1. Get a cheap SSL
It might not be common knowledge, but SSL certificates are one area where you can afford to go cheap. If you’ve ever felt suspicious about the SSL certificate cost by Namecheap or another affordable vendor, don’t be. Those SSLs are just as good as their more expensive counterparts. They’re the same product. Every modern SSL on the market offers potential encryption of 256 bits. This means the key for encrypting and decrypting data is 256 characters long, which is impossible for even the world’s most powerful supercomputer to crack. So, whatever price you pay for your SSL, you can rest assured that your site will remain secure.
2. Use a free CMS
There are many options for creating a website; if you’re a complete newbie, you might be tempted to go for a website builder. The downside of website builders is that they tend to be limited in capabilities when they’re free and feature intrusive branding that will take away from your site. When they’re not free, they can get quite costly in the long term. You’re also stuck with the provider’s hosting, while with a CMS, you can choose the host you prefer and move it if you want. To keep costs down and have more control over your site, your best bet is to choose a free content management system (CMS) like WordPress for building your site. There will be a bit more of a learning curve, but it’ll be worth it in the end for your wallet.
3. Use free plugins and services
The other great thing about using a CMS is the wealth of free and cheap plugins that can add functionality to your site. From security features to forms and spam control, you’ll find whatever you need to make your site the best. With a free WordPress theme, you can make your site look sleek and modern. Just be mindful of which plugins and themes you choose. Always look into the developer and check when it was last updated. If something is no longer being updated, it’s best to go for something that is. Any kind of out-of-date software on your site can leave it vulnerable to hacking.
And there you have it. As these three points illustrate, making an attractive and functional website doesn’t have to break the bank. Don’t let financial worries hold you back, and create a website on the cheap today.
